U-23 WNT Defeats Slovenia WNT at Istria Cup in Croatia

Groom, Taylor and Sullivan score for the USA

UMAG, Croatia (March 2, 2016) – The U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team defeated the full Slovenia Women’s National Team 3-0 to open play at the Istria Cup.

U.S. head coach Janet Rayfield put out a starting lineup with six NWSL players and it was midfielder Shea Groom of reigning champion FC Kansas City who put the USA ahead just 11 minutes into the game.

Groom intercepted a pass between both Slovenia center-backs just outside penalty and went one-on-one with the goalkeeper before slotting her shot on the ground into the left corner.

U.S. goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who earned the shutout, also picked up the assist on the second goal, sending a long punt into the Slovenia defensive half. Forward Taylor Smith took a brilliant first touch towards goal and blasted a shot from just inside the penalty area into the left corner to make it 2-0.

Midfielder Andi Sullivan put a capper on the game in the 87th minute off a corner kick. Sullivan latched onto a deflection inside the penalty area, took the ball off her chest and drilled a half-volley into the back of the net.

The USA will face the Poland Under-19 Women’s National Team on March 4 and then finish against the France National “B” Team on March 6. France’s full Women’s National Team is competing in the SheBelieves Cup in the United States.

The other teams in the tournament are the full National Teams of Croatia, Slovakia and Northern Ireland, as well as the Hungary National “B” Team. Those four teams will play games against each other.

Of the 20 players who to traveled to central Europe, 11 are already in the NWSL or preparing for their rookie seasons this spring. Eight are collegiate players while one has finished her college eligibility.

The roster includes nine players who have represented the USA in a FIFA Women’s World Cup at the youth level.